Ugh. Rah rah-vising has always made me cringe, especially when they do a pyramid, it topples and someone ends up paralyzed. Is this brand of lunacy really necessary? Can’t everyone just put the pom poms down, sit on the sidelines and read Kierkegaard?

I didn’t really have any thoughts on cheerleaders. I referenced some regarding a high school experience. I’ve gotten to know an NFL cheerleader or two and they were smart, bright women. Still don’t understand it. When I typed the word into Google, the first thing that came up was a YouTube video of NFL cheerleaders in slow motion. I don’t get pursuing it as a profession and am embarrassed to see women dressed like that for entertainment purposes. Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t hang out at strip clubs or fashion shows, either.

Thanks–the word seems to have a lot of connotations. It seems to conjure up a LOT of shared meaning for people. It’s short-hand for a lot of things. I really want to ‘unpack’ this, but don’t want to say anything until my post. Care to share more? (I promise my post won’t call anybody out.)

Ah, Kylie, I’m not going to set myself up to be part of a rebuttal. The thing is, people are going to think what they’re going to think and most people were not cheerleaders, so if you were, you can only share your experience in the hopes of influencing attitudes. I would also say that the cheerleaders of my high school looked like nuns compared to butt cheek baring, tata shakers of professional sports. Important to differentiate, I think. It may not make a difference to anyone else, but as a woman, I do see a difference.

I agree! I’m not even going to touch on the professional sports aspect, just my experience. I’m just curious to understand better what it means to others–I have my own assumptions, and don’t want to rely on my assumptions about other assumptions. No set ups. I’m looking forward to your feedback on the post once it’s written. Thanks.

Airhead. That is my honest and unfiltered answer; which I offer only because you are doing research….the memories of the cheerleaders I knew in high school were NOT airheads….but that remains my stereotype. Admitted. *ugh*